The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

I have been to see the fabricator of our GRP panels and we have determined a way forward.

I will next be going to see the metal work fabricator, as we will hopefully be charging him with making the lips which wrap the door shut and the rear of the boot closure/infil panel as angles that will then be bonded into the GRP panel as it is laid up; the inner flange of the angle will be perforated to allow good key. This will give us both the strength and slenderness required at these points.

The panel will be made as a complete tonneau as D posts do rot out; it is infact an area where I was considering looking at a metal repair option. Scrutiny shows that just above the trim line, there is a deliberate inflection in the pressing along which it could be cut, if members prefer to do so when fitting, allowing the surface of the panel beneath this to be shaved, allowing it to then tuck under existing metal of the D post.

With preparation of the panel, it currently has quite heavy surface millscale, the fabrication of the mould, and a take up based on historic wing/front panel interest, the costs are working out to just over £300 per panel. I will be able to confirm costs once I've spoken to the metalworker.

Due to the anticipated cost being more than Fitchetts currently charge for a nearside wing, this exercise will be (for the time being) for the off side only.

Does interest sustain?

Yes I would be up for one....

If Fitchetts really do have a n/s one in stock maybe we should let Rob in Maidstone know?

Jonners

I have an NOS one Alun.
It is not for sale, but I would be willing for it to be used as a pattern to produce repair panels as long as it wasn't damaged in any way.

Unfortunately as with all things new or experimental, early adopters have to pay the price for continued
research and further supplies.

As long as its in April/May time, you can put my name down for one.

As long as an idiot guide for fitting can be prepared, yes, £300 is OK. 1 for me, with fitting guide.

Jon Tilson wrote:Yes I would be up for one....

If Fitchetts really do have a n/s one in stock maybe we should let Rob in Maidstone know?

Jonners

Thanks for thinking of me Jonners however Im doing both sides and have the nearside one from Fitchetts.

Alun I will still have one at that sort of money. I may have found one from a donor but would be good to have the option of the club one as well.

Any idea on time scales for availability.

Also massive thanks for making this happen its a substantial addition to the clubs range and they are simply nowhere else to be found.

Thanks for the offer Tom, but in order to make the mould as perfect as possible, the panel gets bare metalled and painted, as any imperfection left gets transferred to every panel made, so whilst your's has less surface rust, a similar effort would still be required to prepare it.

Panels are not going to be immediately available, but I have secured a window in the fabricator's schedule; he's a one man operation!

Jon Tilson wrote:Yes I would be up for one....

If Fitchetts really do have a n/s one in stock maybe we should let Rob in Maidstone know?

Jonners

The last time I looked upstairs at Fitchetts, he had somewhere north of 100 n/s/r Dolomite wings, so I don't think we will need to be producing a n/s panel any time soon! The o/s one we are discussing here is another matter entirely!
Classy solution, using metal insets for the tricky bits Alun! I'm still up for using my Sprint as a test article and am quite willing to compose fitting instructions with photos for the benefit of future buyers.
A steel C pillar repair section (for both sides) might indeed be a viable part to produce as well!

Steve

How much does fitchetts charge for a n/s wing? roughly will do

Tony

Its ok I rang them, £250 plus vat

Tony